High Time for a Queen: Julia Klöckner’s Push for a Female Federal President
Desires German Presidency After Steinmeier: Klöckner's Ambition Revealed
The Bundestag's President, Julia Klöckner, isn't holding back her thoughts. She's calling for a change in the highest office, and she's not the only one. It's about time for a woman to wear the crown, as the Federal President.
CDU's powerhouse, Julia Klöckner, feels it's high time for a woman to succeed Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. "Twelve chaps and no lass since 1949? That ain't a sign of equality," she told "Stern". "It's about bloomin' time for normality, even in the big leagues."
Politics ain't just about power, it's about change. And Klöckner isn't the only one pushing for change. Green faction leader, Britta Haßelmann, agrees. "It's long past due we see a woman take charge of the top post," she said. Too often, they've nominated blokes even when it was plain as day a man'd be elected again. "Let's end this once and for all."
Women make up more than half our society, but their voices have been missing in action when it comes to big decision makin'. "Where women are gone, their perspectives are vanished too," said Haßelmann. The lack of female representation is crystal clear when you look at Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's power circle. "All dudes, and a lone lady from the SPD, in this year of 2025?" Haßelmann criticized. Steinmeier's reign ends on March 18, 2027, and he can't run again.
- Julia Klöckner
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- CDU
- Alliance 90/The Greens
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa
Potential Contenders:
- Britta Haßelmann: The Green Party leader has been an advocate for increasing female representation in top political offices.
- Christina Stumpp: As CDU's Deputy Secretary General, she's spoken up for a female president, emphasizing the need for gender balance.
- Julia Klöckner: Currently, she's the President of the Bundestag, and her call for a woman to take over the Federal President isn't going unnoticed.
Other influential women in German politics, like Annalena Baerbock, could also be potential candidates or supporters for a female Federal President in the future. Her appointment as the President of the UN General Assembly is a testament to her prominence and influence. However, her current role doesn't directly tie her to a candidacy for the Federal Presidency.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given Julia Klöckner's push for a female Federal President and Britta Haßelmann's call for increased female representation in policy-and-legislation. This may signal a broader movement in German politics to ensure gender equality extends beyond the highest office, beyond politics, and into general-news such as occupational health and safety.
As the Federal President's term nears its end and he can't run again, potential contenders like Britta Haßelmann, Christina Stumpp, and Julia Klöckner could have the opportunity to shake up the status quo and bring that much-needed change, while figures like Annalena Baerbock may also emerge as contenders or supporters for a female Federal President in the future.
